The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged theft and sale of a four-day-old baby taken from his mentally ill mother.
The suspects, identified as Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43, were arrested on September 16, 2026, following what the police described as credible and actionable intelligence.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit and Rapid Response Unit, Obehie, arrested the suspects after an investigation into the alleged child-stealing and trafficking operation.
According to Chinaka, the suspects allegedly conspired to take the newborn from his mentally ill mother and subsequently sold the infant to another person.
She said police operatives were able to rescue both the baby and his mother during the operation.
The mother has since been released to her family for proper care and medical attention, while the baby has been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody.
The four suspects remain in police custody as investigators at the State Criminal Investigation Department continue probing the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and sale of the child.
The police said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.
Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and bringing those responsible for the alleged crime to justice.
The latest case comes amid wider concerns over child trafficking and the illegal sale of children in parts of the South-East and South-South, with security agencies and anti-trafficking authorities continuing operations against suspected trafficking networks.
Police have not disclosed the identity of the person who allegedly purchased the baby or the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction. The allegations against the four suspects remain subject to investigation and possible prosecution.
